Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf: the difference and why each matters

Give for today. Let the good continue.

Giving in Islam can meet an urgent need, support someone we love and create benefits that last beyond our lifetime. Zakat, sadaqah and waqf each have a place in that picture.

Understanding how they work helps us give with clear intentions, fulfil our responsibilities and think about the benefit we hope to create.

What Is the Difference?

Form of giving	How it works	A simple example
Zakat	Obligatory when the relevant conditions are met, with specific calculation rules and eligible recipients.	Paying zakat to an eligible person in financial need.
Sadaqah	Commonly used for voluntary charity, including money, practical help and acts of kindness.	Providing food or helping a neighbour with a task.
Waqf	An endowment that retains an asset or capital and dedicates its benefits to a defined purpose.	An endowed property whose rental income supports education.

Zakat's recipient categories are set out in Qur'an 9:60. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also described practical help and kind words as charity.

Waqf has a clear example in Umar's endowment at Khaybar: the underlying property was retained and its yield given in charity.

What Are the Benefits of Giving?

Seeking Allah's pleasure and forgiveness. Giving is an act of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described charity as extinguishing sins as water extinguishes fire. (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2616)

Relieving someone's hardship. Giving can help provide food, essential supplies or support during a difficult period. In Sahih Muslim 2699a, the Prophet connects helping someone in distress with Allah's help and relief.

Creating continuing benefit. A waqf can support a useful purpose over time. The teaching about sadaqah jariyah, or ongoing charity, reminds us that charitable reward can continue after a person's death. (Sahih Muslim 1631)

These benefits encourage us to consider both immediate needs and the services our community may need in the years ahead.

Giving During Illness or Hardship

When someone we love is unwell, we may give sadaqah while making du'a for their healing. During hardship, we can also give while asking Allah for protection and relief.

A ruling of the Saudi Standing Committee, reproduced by Islam Q&A, permits giving charity on behalf of a sick person, seeking closeness to Allah and hoping for their healing.

For example, someone might provide meals to a family in need while making du'a for an unwell parent. Another may give to a charitable cause while asking Allah to grant a loved one comfort and ease.

We give within our means, with sincerity and hope, continue appropriate medical care and entrust the outcome to Allah. The Prophet also encouraged seeking treatment.

Charity carries spiritual significance; it does not guarantee that a particular illness will end or that a specific calamity will be prevented. Continued hardship is no reason to judge someone's faith or generosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give charity on behalf of someone who has died?

Yes. In Sahih al-Bukhari 1388, the Prophet confirms that a deceased mother can receive the reward of charity given on her behalf. Giving can be a meaningful way to remember a loved one and benefit others.

Is waqf the same as sadaqah jariyah?

Waqf is one way to provide sadaqah jariyah. Waqf describes the endowment arrangement; sadaqah jariyah describes ongoing charity whose benefit continues. Understanding the purpose and management of an endowment helps you make an informed choice.

Does contributing to a waqf fulfil my zakat?

A waqf contribution does not automatically fulfil zakat. Zakat has its own requirements, including eligible recipients. Najmaa's waqf allocation is separate from a member's zakat obligation. Seek qualified guidance if you are unsure how to fulfil that obligation.

Building Lasting Benefit With Najmaa

Najmaa has established an endowment with Awqaf Australia. Through our protection arrangement, 5% of the base contribution is allocated to Najmaa Waqf, with the aim of building institutions that serve our community.

This reflects our ambition to connect mutual protection with lasting community benefit.

Explore Najmaa and learn how our approach brings these values into practice.

Give with intention. Build lasting good.

Takaful. Protection with Purpose.

Important Information

Protection is arranged by Najmaa Group Pty Ltd (AFSL 527623) and issued by Najmaa Mutual Limited. Protection is not insurance and is provided at the discretion of Najmaa Mutual Limited. Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination and consider whether the product is appropriate for you.